Small businesses are some of the best parts of a city. They bring communities together, create unique experiences, and help neighborhoods thrive. In the spirit of supporting local businesses, a new program in San Francisco launched in October 2023 with the goal of helping small businesses pop up in formally vacant spaces downtown.
The project, called Vacant to Vibrant, has been hailed a success as it was announced the project would continue and expand in 2024.
Now, further plans for the project have been announced that the second cohort of small businesses has been selected for 2024. The recipients will each receive a rent-free storefront that was formerly vacant in Downtown SF. The businesses can stay in the space for 3 months for free with the option to extend leases.
Mayor London Breed also announced the program has received a $1 million donation to support the businesses from 2023 that have decided to extend their leases.
Vacant to Vibrant is led by the nonprofit SF New Deal, Mayor London N. Breed, and the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development as part of the mayor’s Roadmap to Recovery plan. It aims to help revitalize Downtown San Francisco, which has been plagued by frequent closings and empty storefronts.
The program began as a 3-month pilot, and due to a successful run, it will continue and even expand in 2024. A total of 8 out of the 9 original storefronts will extend their leases downtown, with negotiations underway to help them secure long-term leases. The program is now taking applications for the next cohort in 2024.
The businesses that are extending their leases include Devil’s Teeth Bakery, Holy Stitch!, Whack Donuts!, The Mellow, and more. Businesses in the program range from donut shops to fine art galleries.
Sarah Dennis Phillips, Executive Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development spoke highly of the businesses and program stating “They are proving that Downtown can be a place of opportunity for artists, nonprofits, and small businesses, and their energy is creating new experiences that enliven it as a true neighborhood.”
SF New Deal
The program is led by SF New Deal, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting neighborhoods by making it easier for small businesses to thrive and increasing neighborhood vibrancy.
The nonprofit states that it aims to “address symptoms and root causes of inequity by building pathways which connect local business owners, workers, community leaders, and neighbors in need for the benefit of the entire city,” according to its website. The nonprofit has disbursed over 36 million dollars to hundreds of businesses across the city since its inception.